Sr. Mode Manager

Ascend Performance Materials•Alvin, TX

14d

About The Position

Ascend Performance Materials is seeking a Sr. Mode Manager - Barge & Rail to manage rail and barge transportation operations, carrier performance, fleet assets, procurement activities, and freight-spend optimization. The role is the primary subject matter expert for rail and barge transportation, supporting the safe, reliable, compliant, and cost-effective movement of raw materials and finished products across Ascend’s supply chain. The position supports transportation strategy and supply scheduling, coordinates with plant personnel and external organizations, manages fleet availability and maintenance, and develops contingency and service-recovery plans. It also provides logistics procurement, analytics, supplier and carrier management, invoice auditing, systems data management, KPI reporting, and continuous improvement support across the logistics network. This is an individual-contributor role with no direct reports and reports to the Supply Chain Director, Americas. Candidates may be based near Ascend sites in Pensacola, Florida; Decatur, Alabama; or Alvin, Texas.

Requirements

Minimum of 5 years of experience in transportation, logistics, supply chain, procurement, or carrier management.
Proficiency with SAP, Transportation Management Systems, and reporting tools.
Ability to manage cross-functional stakeholder relationships and external logistics providers.
Ability to obtain and maintain U.S. DOT Hazmat certification as required for the position.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, including the ability to identify opportunities and resolve complex transportation challenges.
Demonstrated expertise in rail and barge transportation operations.
Ability to drive continuous improvement through process optimization, data analysis, and performance management.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analytics.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business, Procurement, or a related field is preferred.
Experience in rail, barge, bulk transportation, or industrial logistics operations is preferred.

Responsibilities

Support barge and rail transportation strategy in partnership with Procurement and Supply Chain.
Partner with Supply Chain to develop and maintain raw-material supply schedules that support manufacturing operations.
Coordinate with plant personnel to ensure safe and efficient barge loading, discharge, and rail transportation.
Track transportation assets daily and proactively communicate schedule changes, delays, and operational impacts.
Create and maintain rail customer shipment templates for consistent execution and system accuracy.
Manage barge and rail fleet sizing, utilization, and equipment availability for current and forecasted demand.
Oversee barge and railcar maintenance programs, including inspections, repairs, testing, and regulatory compliance.
Coordinate with government agencies and marine organizations regarding waterway conditions, closures, and expedited lockages.
Develop contingency plans and support service recovery for disruptions, congestion, equipment shortages, and weather events.
Provide rail and barge operational, procurement, and strategic expertise across the logistics network.
Work with Supply Chain, Operations, Finance, EHS, and Strategic Procurement to deliver safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation solutions.
Execute logistics procurement activities, including purchase requisitions and orders, spot buys, supplier onboarding, contract administration, and annual requisition management.
Manage carrier and supplier relationships through performance monitoring, scorecards, business reviews, and corrective action plans.
Support network optimization, capacity planning, risk mitigation, and continuity-of-supply strategies for critical raw materials and finished goods.
Audit and approve rail, barge, and non-TMS transportation invoices for pricing accuracy, accessorial charges, and contractual compliance.
Maintain accurate transportation data in SAP, Transportation Management Systems, and other logistics systems.
Analyze freight spend, carrier performance, and logistics data to identify savings, improve efficiency, and optimize transportation performance.
Own and report transportation KPIs, including cost, service, fleet utilization, carrier performance, equipment availability, and supply reliability.
Lead productivity and continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, service, cost reduction, process efficiency, and operational excellence.